About this Episode: In this episode of “Gateway to the Smokies Podcast,” host Joseph Franklyn McElroy introduces listeners to Andrew Wakefield, an Asheville-based musician known for blending traditional and modern sounds into his music. Andrew shares his global influences, from a childhood in Korea to Southern and Appalachian music. They discuss Andrew’s journey
About this Episode: In this podcast episode, I interview Jennifer Cole, a successful chef who has won the competition show "Chopped" and has been cooking professionally for over 25 years. We discuss her career path, including working in Atlanta, New Orleans, Paris, and Spain before returning to her family farm in Haywood County.
About this Episode: Joseph Franklyn McElroy got a chance to interview our special guest, Darren Nicholson. Darren Nicholson ended his relationship with Balsam Range and has launched out in new directions with his music. Check out this episode to hear all about his new music, what he's been up to, and how the
About this Episode: Joseph Franklyn McElroy got a chance to interview our special guest, Jim Lauderdale. Jim won two Grammys, released 34 full-length albums, and took home the Americana Music Association’s coveted Wagonmaster Award. But his forthcoming album Game Changer is convincing evidence that the North Carolina native is only continuing to hone his
About this Episode: We had the opportunity to sit down with #Zeb “The Legend” Ross and his partner, #Ashley Ross, of JCreek Cloggers on Gateway to the Smokies Podcast before their amazing performance in #Meadowlark Motel Enjoy this fun interview with the stars of #JCreekCloggers! We talk about their unique dance style, how they
About this Episode: Joseph interviews our special guest, Laura Lauffer, Project Director of EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems and Appalachian Regional Commission Power Project Center for Environmental Farming Systems sponsored by North Carolina State University – an organization whose objective is to offer financial, technical, and business support to regional farms and food-related businesses,
About this Episode: Learn about folk culture and heritage with Evan Hatch, Executive Director of Folkmoot USA. Listen to this episode, as he dedicated this to all folks who carry forward their heritage through music, dance, and song! Discover all about the Folkmoot USA with Evan Hatch on this episode! Evan is an expert
About this Episode: In this episode, you'll learn about how folklife preservation is manifested in building community and cultural engagement through the rich culture of North Carolina. Joseph is joined by our special guest Sarah Bryan, who is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Folklife Institute, an organization that for more than
About this Episode: This episode explores the world of Appalachian dance, and why it is so important to keep the culture alive. Joseph is joined by our special guest, Kim Ross. Kim has roots firmly entrenched in the Southern Appalachians. A native of Snowflake Virginia, not far from the historic Carter Family Fold and
About this Episode: In this episode, you'll learn from our guest today some of the great advice for musicians and musicians-to-be. Joseph is joined by our special guest, Richard Hurley, a Canton, N.C. native, and UNC grad who is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former radio DJ, and a renowned award-winning
